Middletown Twp. Committee Race: Ryan Clarke On Why He's Running

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — In Middletown, there will be a Township Committee race this November. There are two open seats.

The Republicans are Patricia Snell, a Committeewoman running to keep her seat. And Ryan Clarke is running alongside her; he hopes to fill the seat Tony Fiore held for the past five terms. Both Snell and Clarke are running with the backing of the Monmouth County Republican Organization.

The Democrats are Paul Jansen and Marguerite Stocker, running with the backing of the Monmouth County Democratic Party.

Patch asked each candidate to fill out a questionnaire and here are Clarke's answers:

Ryan M. Clarke

Age (as of Election Day) 43

Position Sought: Township committee member

Party Affiliation: Republican

Family: Wife Kristen Clarke, Daughter Kacie Clarke 10 yrs old, Daughter Harper Clarke 5 yrs old

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Education: Middletown High School South Class of 1995, Brookdale Community College C.A.D.D. program

Occupation: Architectural Lighting Sales

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Chief Middletown Township Fire Department, elected by the membership of all 11 volunteer fire companies

Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/Middl...

Why are you seeking elective office? To continue the work of the current council making Middletown the best place to live and raise a family.

The single most pressing issue facing our community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it: Property taxes. I will work with all facets of the Township to expand and keep our high quality of services with minimal impact to taxpayers.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I try to focus on the things that define the job and what I can bring the table that makes me the best possible candidate. Focusing on any negative characteristics of my opponents are of no interest to me.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)? N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: Preservation of open space, public safety and fiscal responsibility.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? Chief of the Middletown Township Fire Department 2014-2018, Captain of the Lincroft Fire Company 2007-2008, Extensive leadership training to national standards through the fire service and New Jersey State Police, Member of the board of Trustee's Lincroft Senior Housing Corporation, Eagle Scout Troop 67 Red Bank NJ 1995.

The best advice ever shared with me was: "Tell the truth even if it's going to get you in trouble, you will be the better for it in the long run." My Dad

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Lifelong resident of Middletown, born and raised in the River Plaza section 1977-2000, Lincroft resident 2001-2006, Belford resident 2006-2015, Chapel Hill 2015-present. Member of the Middletown Township Fire Department 1997- present. Member of Lincroft First Aid and Rescue Squad 1995-2003. My parents are both graduates of Middletown High School. My wife and I met in M.T.H.S.S. and she is also a graduate of Middletown High School South 1995.

Related: Who's Running For Middletown Township Committee This Fall? (May 8, 2020)

The primary is July 7; the general election is Nov. 3.